Let Us Pray for Museveni the President — and Museveni the Individual

We must distinguish between politics and our shared humanity. In Uganda today, there appear to be two Yoweri Kaguta Musevenis coexisting side by side.

One is the tough-talking politician: the military-uniform-wearing, gun-carrying President who has ruled Uganda for nearly four decades. To his supporters, he is the man who ended the cycle of violent military coups that once defined Uganda’s politics. Since he took power in 1986, the country has not experienced the repeated coups that characterised earlier regimes.

The other Museveni is a private family man — a husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin and patriarch within an extended African family structure.

Until recently, Museveni the family man was frequently seen in public alongside his wife, First Lady Janet Museveni. But in recent weeks, she has notably been absent from several public events, including celebrations surrounding Museveni’s latest swearing-in ceremony.

In her place, their daughter Natasha was often seen accompanying the President. That absence intensified speculation and commentary on social media regarding Janet Museveni’s health.

Some of the commentary has been harsh, unkind and deeply inhumane. Earlier this year, I reflected on this growing culture of public insensitivity in an article titled, Janet Museveni and Uganda’s Disturbing Moral Unraveling.

Whatever the circumstances surrounding her absence, one can only imagine the emotional burden such public speculation places on a family already navigating private challenges. To their credit, the First Family has largely remained silent.

At the same time, another crisis has emerged — this one political.

Former Speaker of Parliament Anita Among now finds herself at the centre of serious corruption allegations that have generated intense public debate and scrutiny.

Reports alleging the discovery of large sums of money and investigations into her assets have further amplified concerns about corruption and accountability within government institutions. Authorities have reportedly widened inquiries into properties linked to her in Kampala and elsewhere.

The controversy has also been fuelled by reports that she recently acquired a luxury Rolls-Royce vehicle allegedly imported from the United Kingdom, where she is also said to own property.

For Museveni, the convergence of these personal and political pressures presents a difficult moment.

On one hand is concern over the wellbeing of a spouse of more than six decades. On the other is the political fallout arising from allegations involving one of the country’s most senior former officials.

History offers many examples of leaders brought down or weakened not necessarily by their enemies, but by those closest to them. Jesus Christ was betrayed by Judas Iscariot. Julius Caesar was betrayed by Marcus Brutus. Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by a fellow Hindu extremist. Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was killed by a fellow Jew opposed to peace efforts. South Korean President Park Chung-hee was assassinated by his own intelligence chief.

Uganda’s own Milton Obote was twice overthrown by military actors drawn from within the very establishment he led.

Whether fairly or unfairly, some observers may eventually argue that the Anita Among saga has inflicted significant political damage on Museveni’s government.

Yet beyond politics lies something more fundamental: our common humanity.

Political opponents and critics may strongly disagree with Museveni’s leadership and legacy. That is legitimate in any democracy. But empathy should not disappear simply because one occupies high office.

At moments like this, perhaps Ugandans should rise above political, religious and ethnic divisions and remember that leaders, too, are human beings with families, emotions and private struggles.

Whatever one’s political views, it is reasonable to wish strength and wisdom upon those carrying heavy personal and national burdens.

May God grant comfort to all families facing illness, controversy and hardship — both in public life and in private homes.